Nepal and India Power Up: Historic Energy Talks in Pokhara Signal Massive Cross-Border Grid Expansion

The 13th meeting of the Joint Steering Committee and Joint Working Group on energy cooperation between Nepal and India has concluded in Pokhara, marking a pivotal moment for regional power infrastructure. Led by Indian Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal and Nepal's Ministry of Energy officials, the two-day session cemented a strategic roadmap to deepen electricity trade and accelerate cross-border grid development.

Key Focus: Expanding the Transmission Backbone

The primary agenda centered on constructing new high-capacity transmission lines to facilitate Nepal's growing hydropower exports. Priority discussions included the expansion of cross-border power transmission infrastructure and reviewing the implementation of previous bilateral agreements. Both nations are committed to enhancing connectivity to ensure Nepal can export up to 1,500 MW while importing 1,400 MW as needed.

Critical projects under review include the Butwal–Gorakhpur 400 kV line, which is planned to be operational by May 2026, and the Chamelia–Jauljibi 220 kV transmission line, with a joint Detailed Project Report (DPR) targeted for completion by November 2025. Additionally, the meeting addressed the Nijgadh–Motihari 400 kV line, with Nepal set to provide technical details for a combined DPR within one month.

The 10,000 MW Long-Term Vision

These talks reinforce a monumental long-term agreement signed earlier this year, where India pledged to import 10,000 MW of power from Nepal over the next 10 years. This massive framework is supported by new Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between Powergrid Corporation of India and Nepal Electricity Authority to form joint venture companies for implementing the Inaruwa–New Purnea and Dododhara–Bareilly 400 kV transmission links.

Regional Energy Security and Mutual Prosperity

Officials from both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral collaboration for mutual prosperity and sustainable energy development. The discussions also touched on replacing conductors with HTLS (High Temperature Low Sag) conductors to increase capacity on existing 132 kV lines, ensuring the grid can handle the increased load from expanded trade.

As South Asia's energy landscape evolves, the Pokhara agreement positions Nepal as a critical energy hub, leveraging its hydropower potential to meet India's rising demand while securing its own economic growth through infrastructure investment.